Unsolicited Proposals for PPP Projects: Private Sector Perceptions in the USA

摘要

In the global infrastructure market, unsolicited public-private partnership (UPPP) proposals have been promoted and a number of countries have established incentive programs to encourage such proposals. While PPPs have been growing in the United States, development of infrastructure through UPPP is still an area in need of further development. In this research, eighteen major national and international PPP companies working in the United States were surveyed about their perceptions of unsolicited PPP proposals in terms of the management of such proposals, adequacy of regulations, incentive programs, procurement stages and negotiations, procurement time and fees, and competing proposals. The analysis shows that a significant percentage of the surveyed companies has pursued, shortlisted, or awarded UPPP. Surprisingly, little less than half of the surveyed companies would not encourage UPPP in the United States. The reasons were rooted in government mismanagement of UPPP, transparency problems, and the lack of competition. The companies reported a lack of adequate guidelines and complained about the short bidding times for preparing competing proposals. The majority of the companies were not in favor of the UPPP incentive programs. It was concluded that significant work is needed for improving UPPP regulations and procurement processes.